At times, the Jets try to walk the line between tough talk and the cart-off/knock-out motivations that fueled the Saints’ alleged bounty program.
At other times, the Jets just don’t care.
On Wednesday, in addition to the strong remarks from safety LaRon Landry regarding “head hunting” and the fact that Dolphins running back Reggie Bush will “remember” the hit from Landry that ousted Bush from the first game between the two teams with a knee injury, Jets linebacker Aaron Maybin was more direct.
“We want to knock him out, but we’re out to do it legally,” Maybin said of Bush, via Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com.
The tough talk comes after the Jets have tried to put the hot sauce back in the tube, backing away from incendiary comments suggesting that the Jets wanted to injure Bush the last time they played. It’s the same thing the Saints are accused of doing via a pay-for-performance plan that rewarded fumbles, interceptions, sacks, and clean, legal hits that kept opponents from playing.
Adding to the intrigue in this specific case is that all three players -- Landry, Maybin, and Bush -- are represented by the same agent, Joel Segal. So maybe Segal should convene a Saturday night meal for the three men in the hopes of breaking bread and making peace.
But Segal should send a clear message to the waiter once they’re seated.
“Hold the hot sauce.”